A hemothorax occurs when blood becomes trapped between the chest wall and the lung. The blood can come from many causes. By displacing the lung and decreasing the volume of space the chest cavity can expand to, the lung does function as well. People commonly develop shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. There is often pain associated with the blood in this cavity.
Causes of Hemothorax
The most common cause of hemothorax is trauma. The bleeding can come from fractured ribs or lacerations of the lung or the linings of the lung. Tumors of the lung or the linings of the lung may also produce bleeding into this space. Injuries to the heart or great blood vessels can bleed within the chest cavity.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemothorax
Chest pain, which may worsen when someone takes a breath, is common for any disorder that affects the surface of the lung. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and coughing may occur. Pain may develop in the shoulder. This occurs because the diaphragm, which is irritated by the blood, has the same sensory nerve supply at the region of the shoulder.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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